Spitfire I

Phoney War and Battle of France

Spitfire I cover

Spitfire I

Phoney War and Battle of France

Quantity
Pre-order. Available 19 Jun 2025
£14.39 RRP £15.99 Website price saving £1.60 (10%)

Payment for this pre-order will be taken when the item becomes available

Description

An illustrated study of the legendary Spitfire and the evolving tactics behind its early defence of Britain's shores.

The Spitfire endures as one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II. Nevertheless, its initial skirmishes and battles yielded as many challenges as successes, with German forces soon outpacing pre-war RAF tactics and exploiting the Spitfire's modest endurance to their advantage. This new study offers an engaging account of the celebrated fighter's early encounters with the Luftwaffe from 1939–40, chronicling the rapid strategic evolution of Spitfire units from the Phoney War through to the Battle of France and the Dunkirk evacuation.

Aviation expert Tony Holmes shines a new light on the fledgling exploits of this world-famous aircraft. Enhanced by newly commissioned maps, ribbon diagrams and full-colour artworks, as well as a host of archive photos, this fascinating exploration brings depth and insight to its journey through the Spitfire's early years.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)
1. In Battle
2. Setting the Scene
3. Path to Combat
4. Weapon of war
5. Art of War
6. Combat
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published 19 Jun 2025
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472857675
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour artwork plates and maps; black & white and colour photographs and illustrations.
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Dogfight
Short code DOG 13
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Tony Holmes

Having initially worked for Osprey as an author in…

Illustrator

Gareth Hector

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

Resources

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